Ethan Clarke
Plastic waste is a huge problem, with many items ending up being incinerated. However, some companies and individuals are finding innovative ways to turn plastic waste into something useful, such as benches. This can be done by melting down the plastic and moulding it into the desired shape, or by using plastic bins as the base for a bench and adding a wooden top. This article will explore the different ways that plastic bins can be turned into benches, and the benefits of doing so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste used | Plastic caps, shampoo bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, polyethylene plastic film, industrial wood scrap, potato chip bags |
| Temperature to heat the plastic | 240 degrees Celsius |
| Time to form one rod | 15 minutes |
| Assembly | Similar to a wooden bench |
| Process | Labor-intensive |
| Bench features | Easily recyclable, no maintenance required, long-lasting |
| Plastic bin features | Sturdy base |
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What You'll Learn
Heat plastic to 240°C and mould into rods, legs, and backrests
Heating plastic to 240°C and moulding it into rods, legs, and backrests is a process used by horizont3000, an NGO for Development Cooperation, to create benches from plastic waste. This process involves heating the plastic to a temperature of 240°C and then shaping it into the desired form.
To begin, the plastic waste must be collected and prepared for processing. In the case of horizont3000's project in Lima, Peru, community members bring their plastic waste to church services, where it is then transported using a cargo bike. The specific type of plastic used in this process is not mentioned, but it is likely a type that can be safely heated to 240°C without degrading or releasing toxic fumes.
Once the plastic is heated to the appropriate temperature, it is moulded into the desired shape. In this case, the plastic is formed into rods, which are then used to create the legs and backrest of the bench. It takes about 15 minutes to form one rod, and once the plastic has cooled, the bench can be assembled much like a traditional wooden bench.
This process of moulding plastic into furniture is a form of upcycling, which gives new life to waste materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or be incinerated. By turning plastic waste into benches, horizont3000 is not only creating functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Additionally, this process can be applied to other types of plastic waste as well. For example, the company vanAfval, a subsidiary of Vita Plastics, creates street furniture such as benches, bins, and flower pots from low-grade plastic waste. Their products are designed with recyclability in mind, ensuring that they can be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their lifespan.
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Use plastic storage bins as the base
Plastic storage bins can be used as the base for a bench. To do this, you will need two large plastic storage bins with lids, a long piece of plywood, some foam batting, and the material you want to cover the seating with.
First, attach the lids to the plastic bins. Then, place the piece of plywood on top of the bins. If you want, you can add a layer of foam batting on top of the plywood for extra comfort. Finally, cover the entire structure with the fabric of your choice. You can use any type of fabric, such as reed fencing, lattice, or a material that matches your decor.
If you want to hide the sides of the bins, you can attach panels made from reed fencing or lattice to the plywood. Finish the edges with corner molding to give it a polished look. You can also add cushions for extra comfort and style.
This is a great way to create additional seating while also having easy access to storage. The weight of the person sitting on the bench will be distributed nicely across the plastic bins, making it a sturdy and functional piece of furniture.
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Add 1/2 inch water-sealed plywood on top of the bins
To turn plastic bins into a bench, you can add 1/2-inch water-sealed plywood on top of the bins. This will distribute the weight evenly across the plastic bins, making it sturdy enough for someone to sit on.
To do this, you will need to cut the plywood to the correct size and shape to fit on top of your bins. The number of bins you use will depend on how large you want your bench to be and how much weight you want it to be able to support. You can attach the plywood to the bins using screws or bolts. Make sure the screws are long enough to securely attach the plywood to the bins, but not so long that they protrude through the bottom of the bins.
Once the plywood is attached, you can finish the edges with corner molding to give it a neat appearance. You can also add a layer of foam batting or a cushion on top of the plywood to make the bench more comfortable to sit on.
If you want to hide the plastic bins and improve the appearance of the bench, you can attach panels made from reed fencing or lattice to the sides of the plywood. This will give your bench a more polished look and help to conceal the storage bins underneath.
Overall, adding plywood on top of plastic bins is a simple and effective way to create a DIY bench with built-in storage. With some basic materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform your plastic bins into a functional and stylish seating area.
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Cover the front with bamboo or garden lattice
To turn plastic bins into a bench, you can use bamboo or garden lattice to cover the front. This will give your bench a natural and rustic look, while also providing some extra support and stability to the structure.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Start by sourcing sturdy plastic bins of a similar size and shape to form the base of your bench. You will need at least two large bins to support the weight of a person sitting on the bench.
- Once you have your bins, cut bamboo stalks or purchase bamboo panels to fit the height and width of the bins. You can find bamboo stalks at your local garden store or home improvement centre.
- If you prefer a more finished look, opt for garden lattice instead of bamboo. Garden lattice is available at most home improvement stores and comes in different sizes and colours.
- Attach the bamboo or lattice to the front of the bins using strong adhesive or zip ties. Make sure the panels are securely fastened to handle the weight of someone sitting on the bench.
- To enhance the stability and comfort of your bench, add a piece of plywood on top of the bins. This will distribute the weight evenly and provide a smooth surface to sit on.
- Finish the edges of the plywood with corner moulding to give it a polished look and protect the edges from damage.
- Add cushions or padding to make your bench comfortable for lounging. You can also add fabric or a decorative cover to the plywood to match your outdoor decor.
By following these steps, you can create a unique and functional bench for your outdoor space, upcycling plastic bins and incorporating natural elements like bamboo or garden lattice.
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Finish the edges with corner moulding
Finishing the edges of your plastic bin-bench with corner moulding is a great way to elevate the look of your DIY project. It is a simple process but does require some preparation and mechanical knowledge.
Firstly, you will need to purchase your corner moulding. You can find a variety of options at your local hardware store or online. The Home Depot, for example, offers a range of corner moulding materials, including PVC, wood, and woodgrain millwork, with prices starting at $1.18 per linear foot.
Now, to the construction. You will need to use a miter saw to connect two pieces of trim at an angle. Before cutting, you must measure the exact corner angle, as most corners deviate from a perfect 90 degrees. The cut angle will depend on whether you are covering an inside or outside corner. For a standard corner, cut the trim at a 45-degree angle, ensuring clean, sharp edges.
For an inside corner, you will need to trim one of the boards with a coping saw. Lay the cut piece flat, then hold the second board straight up, marking the angle of the first board as a guideline for the next cut. This technique will ensure a tight seam for the inside corner.
For an outside corner, the process is similar. Measure from the outside edge of the corner, back along the wall to the end, and mark this measurement on your trim moulding. Place the moulding on the miter saw and cut at a 45-degree angle, pointing away from the section you measured. Repeat this process for the joining wall. Hold the two pieces in place, and the outside miter cuts should connect at the outside corner.
Finally, install the trim and fill any gaps with paintable silicone caulk. You can apply the caulk with a caulk gun, moving the nozzle along the gap while holding down the trigger. You can also nail the boards for additional stability, using 2.5-inch finish nails about every 16 inches along the trim.
And there you have it! A simple way to finish the edges of your plastic bin-bench with corner moulding, giving it a smooth and professional look.
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Frequently asked questions
You can turn plastic bins into a bench by using two large plastic storage bins with lids as the base. Add a long piece of plywood on top of the bins and hide the sides with panels made from reed fencing or lattice, attached to the plywood.
You will need two large plastic storage bins with lids, a long piece of plywood, and panels made from reed fencing or lattice. You will also need corner moulding to finish the edges and a hot glue gun to attach the panels to the plywood.
First, place the two plastic bins next to each other and attach the plywood on top. Then, attach the panels to the sides of the plywood using a hot glue gun. Finally, add corner moulding to the edges to finish the bench.
Turning plastic bins into a bench can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to create additional seating or storage space, especially in small living areas. It is also an easy DIY project that does not require any power tools.
While there is no specific weight limit mentioned, one person has shared their experience of having two people sit on a similar plastic bin bench without any problems, with a total weight of about 250-275 lbs.
